Archive for April, 2009

(xblig) Totem – Me Likem Totem

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

Apr22According to  Merriam-Webster online a totem is “1) an object (as an animal or plant) serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry, and is also a usually carved or painted representation of such an object and 2) one that serves as an emblem or revered symbol”.  Although the term is of Ojibwa (largest group of Native Americans north of Mexico) origin, totemistic beliefs are not limited to Native American Indians. Similar totemism-like beliefs have been historically present throughout much of the world, including Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa, Australia and the Arctic polar region.  A totem pole is a large sculpture carved out of a tree, and may include these totems as described above.  What does this have to do with our next XBLCG game?  It’s called Totem, of course!  According to the official description Totem is “Intense matching Totem destruction! Two game modes…survival and adventure complete with 28 levels and 4 elemental bosses.”  Let’s see if it stacks up to that definition.

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Project Aftermath – Top Ten Fictional Characters Named Jack

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Apr21What is it with the various forms of fiction and the name Jack? 1.) Jack Bauer from 24, 2.) Jack Bristow from Alias, 3.) Jack O’Neill from Stargate the movie, and Stargate SG-1, 4.) Jack Napier aka The Joker from Batman, 5.) Jack Ryan from the Tom Clancy Books and respective movies, 6.) Jack Shephard from Lost, 7.) Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, 8.) Jack Frost, 9.) Jack and the Beanstalk, 10.) Jack Black – okay okay so he’s a real guy, but he’s so goofy he SHOULD be a fictional character!  Okay so there’s even MORE fictional characters than that.  Other Jack notables: Jack Daniels whiskey, Singer Songwriter Jack Johnson, actor Jack Palance,  actor Jack Nicholson who coincidentally played Jack Napier alias The Joker in the Tim Burton version of Batman (they even have the same initials J.N.), Jack Kirby comic book artist, Jack Lord from Hawaii Five-O, a Jack or connector, the Jack which is the lowest face card in a deck of playing cards, Jack in the box, Jack of all trades, Jack boots, actually it’s one word jackboot, but still you get the picture

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(ags) Blackwell Unbound – Another Ghost (detective) story.

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Apr20How about another AGS game by Wadjet Eye Games.  From the developer of the The Shivah and the Blackwell Legacy, comes another Blackwell game called Blackwell Unbound.  Let’s go back in time to 1973, this time it’s not about Rosangela, it’s about her aunt Lauren.  This is also set in New York City as apparently are most of Wadjet Eye Games’ settings.  It will change when we get to Emerald City Confidential in a future review.  Looks like Dave Gilbert topped himself yet again.  Let’s see what he has in store for us next.

Special Note:  It’s listed on the games page as being under the Shivah, indicating possibly being the second game, it’s actually cheaper than Legacy.  So I might be wrong in thinking this is the second game made.  Unless it was made after as a prequel.  In any case maybe someone can clarify.

 

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